Woodrow "Woody" Shadid Obituary (1921

Woody Shadid, 97, of Normal, has been called by some the ever charming Ambassador of Friendship, a Salesman Extraordinaire, and the pre-eminent Community Volunteer and Fundraiser. He not only knew more local residents than about anyone else, he knew their names and life history. He also knew their voice and when his vision failed, he would recognize acquaintances as soon as they spoke. His reputation as a snappy dresser was well deserved, with a closet the size of a room. Woody's years as a chief petty officer in the Navy on U.S.S. LCI #1073 during World War II gave him national pride, which was obvious when he stood for the playing of Anchors Away at the "Celebrate America" shows in Miller Park. Woodrow George Shadid was born December 27, 1921 to George and Nellie Samara Shadid in Bloomington. He died on April 20, 2019 at 10:32 pm at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. His passing was in time to celebrate Easter morning with his Lord. He married his first wife, Gertrude Ellen Whitenack, in 1942 and she passed away in 1990. They had two sons, William (Jean) of Germantown, WI, and Stephen (Marg) of Jackson Hole, WY. In 1991 he married Jane Delgado and she brought four daughters to the blended family, Terri (Craig) of Torrington, WY; Sue of Atlanta, GA; Debbie of Eugene, OR; and Leslie (Brad) of Louisville, KY. Together there are ten grandchildren: Bonnie, Andrew, Stephanie, Christina, Elena, Anthony, Alecia, Angela, Alex, and Shelby, and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings William Shadid, Vicky Abdnour, and Madalyn Beasley. A sister, Dorothy Lyons, survives in Bloomington. Woody's long career in the publishing industry began in 1933 delivering newspapers as a junior at Bloomington High School (of which he is now a member of the BSH Hall of Fame). After high school he became the full time office boy and soon was the city circulation bookkeeper. When he returned from the Navy, he was the assistant city circulation manager and by 1959 he was the Pantagraph's national advertising manager. His next role was as the director of advertising, a perfect job for a man who knew everyone. In 1984 he was named the president of the International Advertising and Marketing Executives, an honor that usually goes to someone from a large city. He attempted to retire a couple of times but was brought back to use his skills in marketing as the newspaper's "ambassador", finally retiring in 2007. He served on many boards and committees, often with his wife, Jane, including the Alzheimer's Association, American Red Cross of the Heartland, Community Health Care Clinic, Family Services of McLean County, Miller Park Zoo, and United Way. Woody loved their little dogs so much that their work with the Humane Society of Central Illinois had special meaning. He was a member of the B/N Sunrise Rotary Club, and recognized as a Paul Harris fellow. Memorial Services for Woody will be held at 11:00 am Friday April 26, 2019 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 1920 East Oakland, Bloomington, IL.. Fr. Dave Halt will officiate. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 - 11:00 am at the Church. Calvert Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington will be in charge of arrangements. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center or The Humane Society of Bloomington.